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What does “live to tell the tale” mean?

Meaning, example sentence and a quick practice question.

C1

To survive a difficult or dangerous experience, often said humorously

“It was a rough flight, but we lived to tell the tale.”

From the C1 lesson Telling a Good Story (storytelling).

Quick check

What does “live to tell the tale” mean?

Teaching this phrase?“live to tell the tale” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings).
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